Doom From the Start--Peter

Well, Jenn, tonight was the perfect opportunity. JB vs. CC and a chance for some momentum against the Stripes. First pitch in the game--not good. Heater over the outside corner; home pen a few seconds later. Top of the second and Godzilla facing JB. Another heater out over the plate and it's four or five rows behind the pen; two zip Hankie's Yankees. Briefly had some hope when we tied it up the next at bat, but it was all down hill from there. By the final out, JB had surrendered more HR's in a single game than at any time in his career--5!

As if all of this weren't bad enough for our heroes, two former Sox pitchers shone in their new homes today. Pedro, yes, THAT Pedro, won his second start for the Phillies. OK, it's been five years since he pitched for us, and he was good or better most of his time at the Fens--even contributed to the '04 Series title. But on top of this, Smoltz started for his new team. Picked up by the Birds after his release by the Hose, he looked like the Smoltz of old the Sox had hoped to have in their rotation. Threw five innings of three hit shutout ball--was virtually unhittable, and got the W. In fact, he became the only pitcher in Cards history to strike out SEVEN batters--IN A ROW!! Now, I know the cards only played the Pads--the team with one of the worst batting averages in the whole National League, but still, it IS MLB. Some days it just doesn't pay to get out of bed.

Well, Jenn, tomorrow we get the Pale Hose--the Chicago Mob at the Fens; while the Stripes get the day off before facing the Rangers.